Asia’s AI Race Heats Up: Indonesia VP Says "Master AI or Be Left Behind," Japan to Send 30,000 Young Scientists Abroad
Governments across Asia are racing to close artificial intelligence skills gaps, with Indonesia’s Vice President warning that AI mastery is no longer optional and Japan launching a massive program to send 30,000 young researchers overseas for advanced training.
Indonesian Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka has called on students and teachers to master artificial intelligence (AI) as the nation undergoes rapid digital transformation. Speaking at an education event, he emphasized that AI skills are no longer optional but essential for future competitiveness. The VP urged schools to integrate AI into their curricula, warning that those who fail to adapt risk falling behind in the global economy. His remarks highlight a growing push by the government to prepare the younger generation for a tech-driven workforce [174655].
Meanwhile, Japan plans to send 30,000 young researchers overseas to study AI and quantum computing. The government aims to close a critical skills gap in these advanced fields. Under the new initiative, scientists under the age of 30 will receive funding for long-term study at top global institutions. The program focuses on AI, which allows machines to learn and solve problems, and quantum computing, a technology that uses quantum physics to process information much faster than current computers. Japan hopes these researchers will return with cutting-edge knowledge to boost domestic innovation and economic competitiveness. The move comes as other countries, including the United States and China, increase their own investments in these technologies [174142].